THE TIMES (Malta) July, 5., 2003:
”Brilliant piano recital”
"…The first [Chopin] was the gorgeously
interpreted Ballade n.1 in G-minor, op. 23 wherein the lyrical and dramatic
were so finely balanced, the brilliance of the tone and delicacy of
expression at their best."
"…finely delineated contrasts in the
Mazurkas op. 33 n.1-4.
"Holming went further and displayed a
great smoothness of transition and adaptability to a different idiom when he
performed Bartok's last Six Dances (in Bulgarian rhythm) from the large
Mikrokosmos cycle. There was a sharp definition of the various
characteristics, which enrich these pieces."
"Yet again, the pianist was to show his
worth as he performed Liszt’s Isolde’s Liebestod … Holming did not merely
play for effect, but also with great sensitivity whenever this was necessary.
There was the power and the sweep too, leading to a most satisfying
conclusion and resulting in an appreciative applause from those present."
[a Schubert Lieder-recital] "…Mr. Holming
proved his excellent worth as a very able accompanist…"
Albert G. Storace
THE SUNDAY TIMES (Malta) July, 6., 2003:
"On Friday, Patrick Holming gave a
recital of works that where taxing for the pianist but not for the listener.
He makes strong, vividly coloured sound, elucidating inner parts and
creating the right romantic atmosphere in Chopin and revelling in the
brilliance of Liszt. At the same time, he laid out his music with a clarity
both of intellectual purpose and sound-world that pays dividends."
"Holming's playing of Chopin's Ballade No
1 was a combination of demureness and intensity as he blazed through the
work."
"Holming's reading of this work
[Liszt/Wagner Isoldens Liebestod] possessed an authority that was palpable
from the openings bars. The sweep of his performance had command and
dramatic frisson."
"Holming performed the waltzes [Schubert]
with a controlled lyricism which allowed the piano to sing while retaining
the character of the piece."
Cecilia Xuereb